Lower Rates on House Insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey residents got their fill of inclement weather this past winter and some may just be coming to terms with any damage they incurred as a result of winter storms. With the spring season and warmer days ahead, this is perhaps the time to take a tour of the house, inside and out, top to bottom, and begin inspecting, cleaning and organizing around the house. Looking into new rates on house insurance is also very popular this time of year.

It’s important to check for areas of damage (rain gutters, roof shingles, skylights) in order to determine if repairs are required. After all, no one wants their home to fall victim to mold, leaks, or other weather-related issues that could bring down the value of their property. Some people like to pride themselves on their ability to get down and dirty and restore their homes as close as possible to their original luster, and now that the sun is starting to shine again, it’s as good a time as any!

Check the exterior first, and then go room-by-room

Once the exterior of the house and the roof have been carefully examined, take notes as to what needs to be fixed and by all means, use a professional roofer for any difficult work required. After you’re done outside, go into each room and decide what stays, what goes, and what needs replacing. Generally speaking, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of those seasonal items), it’s probably a good idea to consider donating it to a charity or simply throw it away.

The kitchen is an area that likely contains things that haven’t been used in quite some time. Clean out the fridge, stove and other appliances, get rid of anything you won’t be eating or ever using again. As you move from room to room, set up a few recycling bins for different materials (paper, aluminum, metal) and consider throwing the annual spring cleaning garage sale (it will give the kids something to do), as this is often a tradition for many homeowners, as well as a great way to bring in some extra income.

Be safe at all times. Roofs, attics and basements can all potentially create hazardous situations. Whenever you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of any physical risks that may be involved. Once your house is clean and presentable, ask your agent to come out and discuss lower rates on house insurance in New Jersey, but put on a pot of coffee first!